Smart navigation of digital marketplaces needs extra attention to protect your personal information and financial security. Online shopping can be convenient for many seniors with the right knowledge.
There are about 86% of adults over age 50 that own smartphones.1 Like many of the residents at our retirement community in Santa Barbara, CA, you can join countless other seniors who shop online with confidence. This piece outlines key strategies that can help protect you during online shopping and help you confidently navigate digital commerce.
Online Shopping Today
Online shopping keeps growing popular among older adults. About 41% of baby boomers and 28% of seniors prefer online shopping over traditional shopping.2 Shopping from home has struck a chord with many seniors.
How digital marketplaces work
Digital marketplaces serve as virtual shopping centers where you can search and purchase items from multiple sellers. These platforms manage everything from product listings to secure payments. On top of that, most online stores give you convenient features like free shipping on orders over a certain amount and automatic reordering for essential items.
Common online shopping platform perks
Many digital marketplaces have made online shopping straightforward and reliable. Some popular marketplaces reward their regular shoppers with special perks. To name just one example, see how Amazon Prime members get unlimited two-day delivery plus access to free Kindle books and movies. You can read these digital books on any device using free reading apps.
Signing up with your email for notifications from your preferred stores will improve your shopping experience. Many retailers send exclusive VIP discounts, sometimes up to 50% off already reduced items. This strategy will give you a great way to find the best deals while you shop comfortably from home.
Recognizing Digital Marketplace Risks
Digital marketplaces have their own set of challenges that require your attention. Phishing attacks, fake or deceptive email or text messages or websites, capable of evading filters have risen by 49% since 2022.3 You should be cautious in order to spot these potential risks.
Fake websites and their signs
Here are some ways you can spot the difference between real and fake websites by looking at specific indicators:
| Legitimate Sites | Suspicious Signs |
| Secure padlock icon | Misspelled domain names |
| Clear contact information | Generic email addresses |
| Professional design | Poor grammar or typos |
| Detailed privacy policy | Pressure to act quickly |
Deceptive pricing tactics
Some retailers use misleading pricing strategies during shopping seasons. Some inflate prices before offering deep discounts to create an illusion of savings. To make you feel pressured to buy right away some retailers have “limited-time” offers, but many never really end.
Personal data collection concerns
Your personal information is at greater risk in digital marketplaces. Businesses extensively collect and use consumer data, which raises privacy concerns. To help protect yourself while shopping online, you can follow these five steps:
- Verify website authenticity by checking the URL carefully
- Compare prices across multiple platforms
- Use credit cards and avoid debit cards for purchases
- Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information
- Read privacy policies before creating accounts
Note that legitimate retailers never ask for sensitive details like social security numbers for regular transactions. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true – they usually point to potential scams.
Smart Online Shopping Practices
Your financial well-being depends on knowing how to use secure payment options. Many residents in retirement communities use digital transactions, so you should know the most reliable payment methods.
Online payment methods
Here are three ways to pay online and the multiple security layers they tend to have available:
| Payment Method | Security Features | E-Commerce Payment Methods4 |
| Digital Wallets | Encryption, Tokenization and Biometrics5 | 32% |
| Credit Cards | Encryption, Fraud Monitoring, Zero Fraud Liability6 | 30% |
| Bank TransfersAccount-to-Account (A2A) | Authentication, Encryption | 9% |
Credit cards have built-in protection that limits your liability to USD 50.00 for unauthorized charges due to the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).
Checking seller credentials
Here are some ways to check an online stores’ legitimacy:
- Check the Better Business Bureau ratings
- Look for professional website design
- Verify contact information
- Read authentic third-party reviews
- Confirm secure payment options
It is recommended to track your transactions and keep records of all purchases. Legitimate retailers never ask for sensitive information like social security numbers during standard transactions.
Click Wisely: Online Shopping for Seniors
Online shopping is convenient, but you need to be alert and knowledgeable to keep your money safe. Smart shoppers verify website authenticity, use secure payments and keep their devices updated. Becoming a smart digital shopper takes time. Start with small purchases, keep learning and accept new ideas about online shopping without risking your security. Starting your online shopping experience doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Do you need a senior retirement community? Just call (805) 687-0793 to connect with our team at Vista del Monte, who will help you find the right place for your senior years and make the most of this stage in life.
1 Kakulla, B. (2023, January 5). 2023 Tech Trends: No End in Sight for Age 50+ Market Growth. AARP. https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/technology/internet-media-devices/2023-technology-trends-older-adults/
2 (2016, June 6). BigCommerce Survey Shows Americans Consider Online Shopping Essential. https://www.bigcommerce.com/press/releases/bigcommerce-survey-shows-americans-consider-online-shopping-essential/
3 Winder, D. (2025, February 10). Most Sophisticated Gmail Attacks Ever-FBI Says: Do Not Click Anything. https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2025/02/10/most-sophisticated-gmail-attacks-ever-fbi-says-do-not-click-anything/
4 (2023, May). GPR 2023 The Global Payments Report. https://www.fisglobal.com/en/-/media/fisglobal/files/campaigns/global-payments-report/FIS_TheGlobalPaymentsReport2023_May_2023.pdf
5 How Mobile Wallet Enhances Security and User Benefits. https://www.rivermarkcu.org/articles/technology/how-mobile-wallets-enhance-security-and-user-benefits
(2025, March 13) Digital Wallets: Safety tips for modern banking. https://www.lfcu.org/news/managing-money-credit/digital-wallets-safety-tips-for-modern-banking/
6 Johnson, H., Thomas, S. (2024, November 22, 2024). Cybercrime is on the rise. These are the safest ways to pay. https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/advice/protect-your-data-with-new-secure-payment-methods/
